Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The 2011 school application season has opened today.

Wiltshire parents are being encouraged to apply now for the school they would like their children to attend in September 2011.

The online application form is available from today

The council will receive applications for reception year at primary and infant schools, year three at junior schools and year seven at secondary schools.

Education officer, Bryan Cash said: "Last year more than 54 percent of applications were received online, a figure which increases every year. The online application form makes it easier for parents to submit their application on time and they get an immediate acknowledgement that their application has been received. However, parents can always complete a paper application if they would prefer.

Whatever method is used, it is important application forms reach us in time. Those submitted by the deadline stand the best chance of getting a place at their preferred school."

Paper application forms will be available from all Wiltshire schools at the beginning of term and from County Hall from Monday, September 13th. Anyone wanting a paper copy should call 01225 713010 after that date.

Wiltshire Council produces booklets to help parents find a school place and these are available on the website or on request by calling 01225 713010 from today.

Every year the council handles applications for about 11,000 children for the normal intake rounds. The closing times for applications are noon on October 31st for secondary schools, and noon on January 15th for primary schools.

Last year 6% of children applying for a reception place and 12% of applicants for a secondary school failed to get their first preference. Details of the process for dealing with oversubscription are now on the WC web site.

Any parent not satisfied with the way WC handles their application should contact their local councillor.